Asked by: Steve Baker (Conservative - Wycombe)
Question to the Cabinet Office:
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will ensure the word Christmas continues to be used in his Department's relevant publications; and if he will make a statement.
Answered by Michael Ellis
I am pleased to confirm that the Government will continue to use the word ‘Christmas’ in publications.
Asked by: Steve Baker (Conservative - Wycombe)
Question to the Cabinet Office:
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the COVID-19 Response: Autumn and Winter Plan 2021, published on 14 September 2021, and the statement that in the event that the data suggests the NHS is likely to come under unsustainable pressure, the Government has prepared a Plan B for England, if he will define the data that would indicate that the NHS is likely to come under unsustainable pressure.
Answered by Michael Ellis
If data suggests the NHS is likely to come under unsustainable pressure, the Government has prepared a Plan B for England. The Government hopes not to have to implement Plan B. However, given the uncertainty, the Government set out details in the Autumn and Winter Plan 2021 so that the public and businesses know what to expect if further measures become necessary.
The Government will remain vigilant and monitor the data closely, using a wide range of evidence, as we have done throughout the pandemic. This includes case numbers, hospital admissions and occupancy, deaths, the ratio of cases to hospitalisations, the rate of growth in cases and hospital admissions - particularly in the over 65s.
Asked by: Steve Baker (Conservative - Wycombe)
Question to the Cabinet Office:
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the report entitled Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee, Covid-Status Certification: Government Response to the Committee’s Second Report, published on 9 September 2021, if he will publish the equalities impact assessment that the Government conducted on covid-status certification.
Answered by Michael Ellis
As set out in the Government’s response to the Committee’s report, the Government will provide the Equalities Impact Assessment conducted on COVID-status certification ahead of the introduction of any legislation that may be required, in the normal way.
Further inquiries on COVID-status certification should be directed to my colleagues at the Department of Health and Social Care.